Satvik Sethi, a former Global Product Lead of Web3 at Mastercard, has raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding for his new venture, Offline Protocol. The company is valued at around $15 million (Rs 113 crore) and has received investments from American investors, including Portal Ventures and Seed Club Ventures.
Offline Protocol is a decentralized software company that enables financial transactions and communication without the internet. It creates local mesh networks using smartphones, making it useful in rural areas, disaster zones, and even wellness retreats. Sethi envisions an “alternate web” for people without stable internet access.
What is Offline Protocol?
Offline Protocol is a decentralized software company designed to enable financial transactions, communication, and privacy without requiring internet or active telecom services. It uses proprietary technology that allows smartphones to create local mesh networks, making it possible for individuals, businesses, and retailers to stay connected even in areas with poor or no internet access.
This innovation is particularly useful in rural regions, disaster zones, factories, refugee camps, and wellness retreats where stable internet may not be available or necessary. Founded by Satvik Sethi, Offline Protocol aims to build an “alternate web” that ensures seamless connectivity in various real-world scenarios.
Why is This Funding Significant?
This funding validates Offline Protocol’s innovative approach to decentralized communication and financial transactions. The $1.1 million pre-seed investment at a rumored valuation of $15 million (Rs 113 crore) highlights strong investor confidence in the project’s potential. With backing from Portal Ventures, Seed Club Ventures, and renowned angel investors, Offline Protocol is positioned to develop its technology further and expand its reach.
The investment also reflects the growing demand for offline connectivity solutions, especially in rural areas, disaster zones, and industries needing secure, internet-free communication. By creating an “alternate web,” the company could revolutionize how people stay connected without relying on traditional internet infrastructure.
How Will the Funds Be Used?
The funds raised will be used to develop and expand Offline Protocol’s technology and operations. A significant portion will go into research and development to enhance its decentralized mesh network technology, ensuring seamless offline communication and financial transactions.
The investment will support team expansion, allowing Offline Protocol to hire experts in blockchain, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. The company will also focus on scaling its infrastructure, conducting pilot programs, and forming strategic partnerships to test and refine its solutions in real-world scenarios. Ultimately, the funding will help Offline Protocol bring its “alternate web” vision to life, enabling connectivity without relying on traditional internet services.
Founders’ Perspective
Satvik Sethi, the founder of Offline Protocol, believes in creating a world where financial transactions and communication are accessible without relying on the internet. He was inspired by a simple yet powerful thought.
His passion for social impact is evident from his past ventures, including Runaway, a platform providing mental health resources to youth globally. Now, with Offline Protocol, he is working to build a decentralized, internet-free communication network that can serve rural areas, disaster zones, and industries needing secure offline transactions.
Sethi’s vision is clear—to redefine connectivity by eliminating dependence on traditional internet infrastructure, making communication and financial access a fundamental right rather than a privilege.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Offline Connectivity – Offline Protocol enables financial transactions and communication without the need for the internet, using decentralized mesh networks on smartphones.
- Significant Funding & Investor Confidence – The company raised $1.1 million in pre-seed funding at a $15 million valuation, backed by Portal Ventures, Seed Club Ventures, and prominent angel investors.
- Real-World Applications – The technology benefits rural areas, disaster zones, factories, refugee camps, and digital detox retreats, where internet access is unstable or unnecessary.
- Founder’s Vision – Satvik Sethi aims to build an “alternate web” to provide financial access, communication, and privacy to underserved communities worldwide.
- Strategic Growth Plans – The funding will be used to enhance technology, expand the team, run pilot programs, and scale operations, ensuring a strong foundation for Offline Protocol’s future.
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Conclusion
Offline Protocol is set to revolutionize connectivity by enabling communication and financial transactions without the internet. With strong investor backing and a clear vision, the company aims to refine its mesh network technology, expand its team, and launch pilot programs in key markets. Future plans include global expansion, strategic partnerships, and integrating advanced blockchain and Web3 solutions.
By bridging the connectivity gap in rural areas, disaster zones, and industries needing secure offline transactions, Offline Protocol is poised for sustainable growth. As the demand for decentralized, internet-free communication rises, the company is well-positioned to lead this transformative shift worldwide.
Empower connectivity! Offline Protocol is reshaping financial transactions without the internet.
